A man was airlifted to hospital after a truck rolled on him at a property in Condobolin on Monday 8 December. NSW Ambulance say emergency services received the call at around 10am to the property on Ridleys Road, south of the town, where a man in his 70s was partial crushed. They said they found him with abrasions and potential chest and back injuries. He was extricated and flown by helicopter to hospital in Orange.

Australian farmers are set to gain long-sought freedom over how their machinery is repaired, with the Federal Government committing to extend national Right to Repair laws to agricultural equipment.The move is welcomed as a landmark productivity reform across the farm sector.Following a meeting of state and territory Treasurers, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed agricultural machinery will be included in national Right to Repair reforms designed to modernise the economy and lift productivity.NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the announcement followed years of advocacy and marked a major turning point for the industry.“We’ve been calling for a legislated right to repair our farm machinery for a long time, and it’s brilliant to see our Federal Government has listened,” Mr Martin said.“These reforms will slash the huge costs and wait times farmers are facing to get their machinery fixed – and that in turn will help them put food on tables and clothes on backs in a way that’s faster and more efficient than ever before.”The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) described the decision as a historic win for farmers and a direct result of sustained advocacy from across the sector.NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the reform would deliver long-overdue competition and control back to farmers.“Farmers will finally have more freedom to choose who services and repairs their machinery.""That means less downtime, lower costs, and more control over their own businesses,” Mr McIntyre said.“When a machine breaks down in the middle of harvest, waiting on an authorised dealer isn’t just inconvenient, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars."This reform will help farmers stay productive and competitive, which is exactly what farmers and the economy needs.”Economic modelling by the Productivity Commission estimates the reforms could lift agricultural production by $97 million annually, while greater competition in the repair sector is expected to drive a $311 million increase to GDP.Andrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, and has received praise from farming groups for advocating on the right to repair issue.Mr Martin said those figures reinforced the urgency of opening up the repairs market.“Farmers in countries like Canada have had this right for years – as has our automotive industry here in Australia – and it’s simply time we evened the score,” he said.“Enabling us to get our machines repaired by suitably qualified independent repairers will keep costs down and productivity up, so it’s really a no-brainer.Mr McIntyre said the Government’s commitment showed a clear understanding that supporting farmers delivers benefits well beyond the farm gate.“This will see real economic gains for the sector and the broader economy,” he said.The NFF has led the push for Right to Repair reforms for many years alongside its member organisations through the NFF Right to Repair Taskforce.“The NFF would like to acknowledge the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh, for his genuine engagement with the sector and ongoing advocacy on the issue,” Mr McIntyre said.Victorian Farmers’ Federation President Brett Hosking was also thrilled with the outcome.“This is a game-changing piece of reform that will act on recommendations from farmers, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Productivity Commission and Right to Repair academics, as well as putting us in line with our international competitors,” Mr Hosking said.“The VFF in partnership with the NFF has been pushing hard for this outcome, and it’s pleasing to see the Government back a practical reform that helps farmers get on with the job.”GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the commitment would ensure fair access to repair options for growers when it mattered most.“Extending Right to Repair laws to agricultural machinery is a landmark moment that will give farmers greater choice, reduce costs, and keep them operating when it matters most,” Ms Gawel said.Mr Martin said the reforms would also deliver direct benefits to regional communities by allowing farmers to rely on local, independent repairers.“This major reform will mean that farmers will be able to choose to use and support a qualified local repairer, so they can get their machinery fixed without huge costs or wait times,” he said.

Dubbo has hosted its first Try a Trade Day, bringing together industry, employers, training providers and more than 500 students for an interactive look at in-demand careers across the Central West and Orana regions.The event, held at Dubbo College Senior Campus, was a collaboration between Dubbo College and the NSW Department of Education’s Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program.Designed for Years 9–11, the initiative gave students the chance to explore a wide range of trades and career pathways in a single “one-stop shop.”Students from Dubbo College’s Delroy, South and Senior campuses attended, along with groups from Gilgandra High School, Coonamble High School, Trangie Central School, Coolah Central School and others from across the region.Try a Trade brought industry directly to young people, featuring hands-on demonstrations, large-scale machinery and interactive activities run by employers from renewable energy, construction and housing, mining, advanced manufacturing, early childhood services and health.Several local businesses and registered training organisations said the day provided a valuable chance to connect with students and highlight real job opportunities available locally.Mechanics is just one trade that students learned about at Try a Trade Day.Dubbo Regional Council was among the exhibitors, speaking with students about the trade roles, apprenticeships and long-term career benefits the organisation offers.For many students, the event was their first direct experience with trade-based work—an opportunity organisers say is crucial as the region faces a growing demand for skilled workers across infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, health and community services.The initiative forms part of a broader push to link young people with local employment pathways and ensure schools and industry are working together to build a future-ready workforce.Students from Trangie Central School said the experience broadened their understanding of what is possible after school.“It was a good experience to be a part of and to be able to gain knowledge about different trades,” one student said.Another added, “It was very packed, but also fun and informative.”Others praised the exhibitors’ enthusiasm:“It was good, great, and fun."Learned a lot."People were super nice, very involved with students, and willing to explain what their stall was about.”One student summed it up simply: “I really enjoyed the many hands-on activities.”Organisers say the success of Dubbo’s inaugural Try a Trade Day highlights the value of connecting students directly with employers—and signals a strong future for the event in years to come.

In a world first, Social Media Restrictions commence in Australia this Wednesday 10 December and western area parents and carers of kids are bracing for the ban in more ways than one.After a year of planning the teen social media ban is a reality and the world will be watching closely to see the results.Children under the age of 16 will be restricted from using such platforms as:FacebookInstagramTikTokSnapchatX (formerly Twitter)YouTubeRedditTwitchKickThreadsSally Sweeney, Head of Dolly’s Dream says the ban is not a magic wand [Image Dolly's Dream organisation]Australia’s anti-bullying organisation, Dolly’s Dream, has called the government’s ban on social media move a ‘decent start’, but warns the delay alone isn’t a quick fix – particularly in outback areas where social media serves as a teen’s vital connection to friends.“The social media delay isn’t a magic wand where kids will wake up and there’s no more bullying online. We’ve got to back it up by teaching our kids how to be safe and decent online, and we need to make sure there is proper support when things go wrong,” said Sally Sweeney, Head of Dolly’s Dream.“Tech companies need to build online platforms and spaces that are safe for young people. We know the world is watching Australia right now, surely this a moment for them to act,” said Ms Sweeney.While the majority of parents are looking at the move as a step forward in keeping kids safe, others say teens in the bush may be left feeling isolated.Outback parents have differing views on social media ban.One outback rural mother of teens says this may inadvertently affect bush kids in a negative way as they rely on these types of social media sites to connect with friends when they live on isolated stations after returning home from boarding school.“While any initiatives to keep kids and teens safer online are a great start, I do worry that rural kids particularly could become more isolated,” said Alana Moller who helps run a large cattle station.“Especially when we’re going into 8 weeks of school holidays, when many remote kids like mine will be returning home from boarding school. They may not see anyone their age for 2 months, so I’m not really sure what to expect in terms of the immediate impact of this said Ms Moller.Some parents have elected not to allow social media for their kids full stop.“We haven’t allowed our teen to have it in the first place and he fully understands why,” said mother of three Amy Edwards who lives on the farm 60 kilometres south east of Nyngan.“There have been incidents where he has been glad to have not had it, where his friends have, and have seen bad news first with little information, but we’ve been able to sit him down and tell him first.“It certainly means bullying for him stops as soon as he is out of the school gate, for his mates that’s not always the case.“Unfortunately, the way they are going to manage this ban and how they will enforce it is not yet clear, but with the schools banning phones at school and the ban on social media it may give kids some much needed breathing space to simply be kids,” said Mrs Edwards.A 15-year-old western area student says it is a problem for her, but she understands the why behind it.“I am pretty cranky about the government taking away our means of communication, I think instead of taking it away they could educate everyone better, but I truly understand it.“I have been bullied at times, but I have felt able to deal with it, but other kids who are not as lucky as me are probably feeling a whole lot of relief, which I can understand too.“It will take a bit of getting used to but there are places we can go, so we just need to go with it I reckon,” she said."As a parent of teenagers i really like it. But at the same time I am worried," said Deanne Walsh Community Hub Coordinator in Nyngan. "If parents are worried about their teen, their are services available to help. Nyngan has Headspace, Barnardos, and CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes that are all able to help parents with any worries. The Community Hub are able to make referrals to other services. so call in and see us," said Mrs Walsh. Preparing to lose the use of their favourite apps, kids are already looking to other sites they can go and even talking about going old school and calling their friends on the phone.While the ban may be easier said than done, with parents acknowledging it may not be 100 per cent effective, most parents are backing the move as a way of keeping kids safe. The ultimate goal.

Police have released footage of what appears to be a person moving away from a burning SUV as they renew an over a suspicious death around Brewarrina in September. Central North Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Andrew Barnes, said investigators believe there are community members with information about the incident. He also confirmed that the body discovered in the car belonged to 27-year-old Lightning Ridge man Joel Vrtacnik. "Police have been in contact with Joel’s family and we are committed to finding answers as to what happened to their son," he said. "Strike Force Mayville detectives have been making significant inquiries in this investigation and every day we are getting closer to an answer. "But we are still missing a key piece to the puzzle, which is what we are appealing for today.Video released by police, which they say appears to show a person moving near the burning SUV. "Anyone who may have been injured at the time of the explosion, or who may have witnessed a person with burn injuries on or around Sunday 28 September 2025 is urged to contact police. "We also want anyone who may have seen the SUV in Brewarrina during that time to contact police. "We believe there are people in the community of Brewarrina and surrounding areas who have relevant information to the investigation, and we need to speak with them." Detectives have also released CCTV vision of the SUV, captured on the day before the fire. Detectives have also executed four crime scene warrants within Barwon Four Reserve and at a home on Brewarrina's Cato Street in October, where they seized clothing and undertook forensic testing for further examination. Emergency services were called to the Kamilaroi Highway at about 5:15am on Sunday 28 September after an SUV was seen alight. Firefighters put out the blaze find the body inside.

Business and residents are being frustrated with more delays to a Telstra tower that was slated to be built in 2025 but Telstra says planning designs have delayed the construction.Gilgandra mayor Doug Batten says some businesses have to take their computer outside their shop to get connection.He has contacted Telstra management who have given assurances it will happen in 2026"It's frustrating for local businesses getting connections but they have told me its going to be next year," Cr Batten said."Going onto the footpath to try and get a connection to use eftpos in 2025 is not acceptable, and is bad for our community."Telstra Regional Manger Michael Marom told the Western Plains App on Friday 6 December that things are happening."We’re making progress to deliver better mobile coverage to Gilgandra," he said. "We’d hoped to have our new site up and running earlier, but building a new mobile base station is complex and getting the design right has taken a little longer than expected due to some unforeseen circumstances. "We expect to start construction early in the new year."Mr Marom said he understands the difficulty for local business and community.‘’We know the community wants better connectivity and we are doing everything we can to deliver it for them ASAP."The community has waited for a result since Councillors approved the tower build over three months ago.Gilgandra Mayor Doug Batten The development applicaiton for the proposed telecommunications tower at 76 Wamboin Street, Gilgandra was approved at Gilgandra Shire Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 19 August 2025.The development is in recognition of the need to improve coverage and capacity of the Telstra network, with recent community representation to both Council and Telstra advocating for this response.Council acknowledged and considered the concerns raised in the one objection received as part of the Development Application (DA) assessment, with the DA advertised broadly through various channels for anyone wanting to make submission.General Manager, David Neeves said at the time delivering for community was front of mind for Council.“Council has balanced the objection with the general community benefit and outcomes anticipated from the proposed development, noting the apparent broader community acceptance and expectation for it to proceed. "The Telstra mobile coverage in Gilgandra is abysmal and we commend Telstra for taking this positive action to fix the problem.”Construction will involve the installation of one 45 metre monopole fitted with 9 panel antennas, an upgrade of the existing exchange building and removal of existing small cell infrastructure.Black Spots in the Western Plains have frustrated many in the community and local politicians have urged the Federal Government to give areas decent mobile reception.Cobar councillors contacted Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey in 2025 and he has pushing for what he calls ‘’absolutely dangerous planned Telstra outages" in Lightning Ridge, Rowena and Brewarrina."These outages go for two to seven days, leaving businesses without the means to carry out transactions, ordering and other processes essential to business, farms without connection to the outside world and people on the Telstra network without access to life-saving emergency services," Mr Chaffey said."This is despite an election promise by Labor to provide universal mobile coverage across Australia 'anywhere Australians can see the sky'. "Labor’s promise was to expand Triple Zero access for all Australians, expand outdoor voice and SMS coverage into existing mobile black spots, and to improve the availability of mobile signals during disasters and power outages."Instead, we are seeing the signal switched off altogether for extended periods."This would not happen in the city, and I will be asking questions at the highest level." Roy Butler state MP for Barwon has also expressed his concern as connectivity in his region, particularly since the 3G network was switched off, has continued to lag behind urban areas.

Federal National Party whip Matt Canavan was in Dunedoo last week to spruik their energy platform after the party ditched support for net zero. Around 30-40 people, mostly from the local and surrounding areas, gathered at the Dunedoo Sports Club on 29 November to hear Mr Canavan, along with Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey and local opponents to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). Longtime REZ critic Emma Bowman said she hoped to hear how the Nationals' net zero decision would affect her area if they re-enter government. "To me, we didn't get there," she said. "Something we are missing from the Coalition is an actual plan not just 'we're going to dump net zero.' We need to know what does that look like? Are we building five more coal fired power stations? I don't know what that even looks like. "While the community speakers did a great job outlining our problems and our issues, they were preaching to the choir. Because it seems to be always the same people sitting in that room saying the same thing over, and over and over again." Net zero refers to a point where the amount of greenhouse gas produced by human activity is level with the amount being removed. A map of the area covering the Central-West Orana REZ. [SOURCE: EnergyCo]Ms Bowman said she had hoped for an open discussion, although there was not a question-and-answer section with the politicians. Dunedoo sits firmly within the 20,000-kilometre Central-West Orana REZ, where the NSW government aims to power two million homes by 2028. Critics of the REZ say it will take up farming land and increase traffic wear on local roads. Landholders have also raised fears of being held liable for accidents that damage nearby renewables infrastructure. READ: Inquiry exposes challenges of renewables push in the bush Attendees also heard from Aidan Morrison, an energy researcher at conversative think tank the Centre for Independent Studies, and planning and environment lawyer Peter Holt. "There will be the establishment of temporary work camps and major disruption to the community," Mr Chaffey said ahead of the meeting.  "All of this disruption is for no benefit – our prices continue to increase and our emissions reduction has stalled. There is a cheaper, a better and a fairer way."Net Zero by 2050 is not the answer. Our country should not be held hostage to a promise that is higher than that of other OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development] countries – a promise that can’t be kept."The Nationals have often criticised the Labor government's push for renewables, and support gas, renewable and nuclear power as part of Australia's energy mix.

NSW's anti-corruption commission has declined to investigate the management at Toorale National Park following concerns over unaccounted water use. Barwon MP Roy Butler requested a probe around July from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).   However, Mr Butler's office confirmed this week that the Commission declined the request in September, citing insufficient evidence of corrupt conduct. The Commission said that the matter had more to do with procedural inconsistences, policy disputes and administrative decisions than dishonesty or deliberate wrongdoing. Mr Butler said that the decision risked public trust in water governance. “These decisions do nothing to build trust."Accountability and transparency in water management are essential, and this precedent undermines both,” Mr Butler said.   "We cannot have two sets of rules - one for government agencies and another for farmers and river communities - when the Water Management Act makes no such distinction."The 91,000-hectare national park used to be a sheep and irrigation property. [IMAGE: NSW government] Toorale sits about 80 kilometres south west of Bourke and was bought by the NSW government for environmental conservation at around 2008. Under NSW rules, environmental water and irrigation users need to measure and report the volume they take from rivers to ensure they stay within their allowance. Between 2024-25, water watchdog the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) led a months-long investigation into Toorale, which is separate to the ICAC request.They found that while water infrastructure operated in line with approval conditions, the park did not fully account for its water use. The regulator issued a stop work order at Toorale in August 2025 for the matter to be rectified. The order lifted in September after the NSW government changed approval conditions to align with the Water Management Act. "The new conditions mean that all water diverted to the Western Floodplain at Toorale via Boera Dam, is debited against a corresponding water access licence," an NRAR spokesperson said. "The amended conditions ensure environmental water being diverted from Boera Dam at Toorale is accounted for, providing more clarity and transparency around water management at Toorale National Park. "NRAR did not take further enforcement action because the investigation did not identify any offences under the Water Management Act."The Boera Dam was built in 2020 to release water into the Western Floodplain, which sits on the west bank of the Warrego River. The water licence is held by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, which is charged with using their allowances to protect and restore the Murray-Darling Basin. A federal government spokesperson said that the Water Holder does not own or operate the infrastructure. "The CEWH supports the NSW investigation into appropriate operation of infrastructure by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the accounting of water at Toorale. Clarity and transparency around water management decisions is critical for all water users," the federal DCCEEW spokesperson said. "The CEWH is committed to achieving environmental outcomes for the Barwon-Darling River and on the Toorale Western Floodplain in a manner that is consistent with our licence conditions and legislative obligations."

Grain Corp says grain quality has been "strong" in the Western Plains as harvest winds down across the region. In the company's Dubbo North and Dubbo West clusters - which include Coonamble, Gulargambone, Narromine, Nevertire, Tottenham, Nyngan and Trangie - combined receivals have reached more than 1.1 million tonnes. In the Burren Junction cluster - which covers Burren Junction, Cyron, Merah North, Merrywinebone and Walgett - receivals have now surpassed 560,000 tonnes, with the Burren Junction site itself setting a new receival record. A GrainCorp spokesperson said they mainly received wheat.For some growers, harvest continues and while much has been stored on farm there are still options for deliveries."Growers are encouraged to contact their local Site Managers for details on deliveries, opening hours, and segregations," the spokesperson said. "Our teams remain committed to working flexibly with growers to ensure continued grain receivals."Despite storms that damaged crops in parts of the Western Plains, agronomists said harvest had been largely good. IMAGE: River McCrossen Agronomists who spoke to the Western Plains App agreed that the year has generally trended well. "With seasonal conditions during the year, we got off to a good, timely start," Walgett-based agronomist Greg Rummery said. "With the size of the crop we had, which is well above average, we'd have really loved another fall of rain in early October or late September. "We didn't get that. That's just farming, but our crops really came home remarkably well given we didn't have a lot of spring rain." Mr Rummery, who covers a patch within the Walgett, Moree and Narrabri areas, said growers with a handle on fertiliser fared better. He and other local agronomists also said the bulk of farmers have finished harvesting in their areas. The GrainCorp spokesperson said on 5 December that their Wyalong and Parkes clusters further south are still receiving "strong volumes" after a cooler start to harvest delayed activity. Coonabarabran agronomist James Flemming said results were "quite patchy" in his area. "I think it really came down to moisture, to where it rained. The storms are quite patchy around the place," he said. "You could tell where we didn't get that late spring rain to finish crop. Where we didn't get it, it didn't finish the crop. Where we did, they were pretty good. "It shows how important managing rainfall and storing moisture is." Pockets of growers in the Come By Chance area also reported crop damage due to storms over the last few months. Out in Coonamble, agronomist Tom Cullen said wheat and barley panned out well for some properties with ability to handle tougher conditions due to stored moisture. However, he said initial frosts in late August-early September, followed by excessive heat, didn't do chickpeas any favour. "Every year is different. It's amazing how that's so true, but sowing times again is the biggest driver of yield, and just being prepared a bit better to be able to sow earlier," he said. "Anything we saw that was sowed late, or even sown on time, missed a bit of early rain to get it established. "It (the season) was pretty favorable for most part, except for the last six weeks where those target yields just fell."

Dog breeders must now register with the NSW government and cap the number of canines they keep, under new rules that began in December. The changes target illegal breeding and limit the number of non-desexed bitches over six-months-old to 20 per premises, unless breeders gain an exemption. Female dogs are limited to five litters in their lifetime, or up to three by caesarean.“I recognise most breeders do the right thing, and these new laws support those who are already doing the right thing by their animals, by weeding out the bad actors," said Minister for Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty. “These law changes will ensure breeders are held accountable and those in animal welfare law enforcement are given the support they need." Under the changes, all breeders in NSW must have a Breeder Identification Number (BIN), while all ads must have the dog's microchip and the breeder's BIN if they are born after 1 December 2025.Breeders must also have one carer for every 20 dogs on premises.  Jail time and fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $550,000 for corporations apply for breaking the cap on female dogs. At the Dubbo branch of the Animal Welfare League, Foster Coordinator Janet Rose said they are increasingly seeing requests to surrender animals, mainly large dogs.The new rules apply to anyone responsible for a dog that falls pregnant, even if unplanned. [IMAGE: River McCrossen]She said the reforms are barking up the wrong tree. "It hasn't really taken into account all the breeders that are going to just bypass it with sites like Gumtree," said Ms Rose, who's branch takes requests from surrounding areas including Warren, Bourke and Coonamble. "What they need to do is not just concentrate on doing checks on the registered breeders. They need to be actively hunting down all these backyard breeders that haven't registered. Saying to someone you've got to register doesn't mean that they will. "We've just taken in a puppy that someone purchased through Gumtree from someone that wasn't a registered breeder. It was impulse. They had the puppy for a day and then surrendered it to us." Ms Rose said platforms used by dodgy breeders could demand their BIN. She also supports outlawing commercial dog farming to reduce the number of animals entering rescue and rehoming services. Anyone who is responsible for a dog that falls pregnant must have a BIN, even if the pregnancy was one-off or accidental. Owners can register on the NSW Pet Registry. Ms Rose said prospective dog owners should go to the Animal Welfare League or their council pound over breeders.

People in Nyngan and surrounding districts are being urged to help raise funds for Medical Wings Paediatric Services for the town. Not to be mistaken for Little Wings, Medical Wings Paediatric Services brings volunteering specialists from children’s hospitals to rural and remote communities for clinics to ease the burden of travelling to major centres for care for sick kids. Around 100 children in the shire have been identified as being in need of specialist paediatric services and would benefit greatly from a regular clinic in Nyngan. Despite the specialists, pilots and crew volunteering their time for these clinics, each community is required to cover the flight costs of around $1800 per trip or $20,000 per year for monthly clinics. Medical Wings delivered over 100 paediatric clinics last year across regional and remote NSW and Queensland according to a report offered to Bogan Shire Council by Director People and Community Services, Debb Wood. Medical Wings an important concept for rural and regional kids - [Image Medical Wings] “Each clinic typically includes several paediatricians, and the program currently supports over 3,200 families and plays a vital role in improving access to healthcare in underserved areas," said Mrs Woods. “Medical Wings Paediatric Services flights can also include other specialists being flown in to meet the needs of the community where there is an identified gap in service delivery." Director People and Community Services at Bogan Shire Debb Wood - [Image Bogan Shire Council] Derek Francis General Manager Bogan Shire Council says Council is working hard to make this service a reality. “This is a great service, largely supported by volunteer pilots and clinicians, that we really need in our community,” said Mr Francis. “We know that there are extensive waiting lists for children and young people in our area to access paediatricians and Medical Wings provides a solution.  “Medical Wings would enable children to access specialists without having to travel while also providing support to local practitioners. “Council will continue to Lobby Governments to address the shortage of paediatric medical services in rural and remote communities. “It is important that any donations for this purpose are specified as intended for Medical Wings rather than Little Wings generally – which is also a vital service transporting children to medical facilities,” said Mr Francis. Derek Francis General Manager Bogan Shire Council. [IMAGE: A.White] Member for Barwon Roy Butler is keen to work with Bogan Shire to make this a reality."Access to paediatric services is a problem across all of my electorate," he said."The future of medical services is likely to be partnerships between the NSW Government and non-government organisations like Medical Wings."The State Government cannot meet the needs nor provide the services to communities like Nyngan. "I will be happy to work with Bogan Shire in securing the funds they need for this service to operate for the next 12 months."“This would be so fantastic if we could get it off the ground,” said a western area mum who has been driving to Sydney for two years for medical treatment for her daughter. “The cost of travelling and staying for appointments and tests is exhorbitant and tiring, and hard on our family. “Taking days off work and arranging childcare is another aspect that if the specialists came to us, we wouldn’t have to worry about. “Our child’s health is paramount, and we do what we need to, but if our community could hold these clinics that would lessen our burden that’s for certain,” she said.

Health authorities are urging Western Plains residents to get the jab against Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) as 60 local government areas are flagged for higher risk. The vaccine is free in all 11 western plains shires for people aged two months or older who live or work there. The mosquito-borne virus can cause rare but serious conditions like headaches, fever, vomiting and brain swelling. Last week, JEV was detected for the first time in the 2025-2026 season in mosquitoes collected from the Horsham Rural City Council region in Victoria. “Mosquito numbers will likely increase with warmer weather, and we remind everyone in NSW to protect themselves against mosquito bites, which can cause diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis and Murray Valley Encephalitis, and infection with Kunjin virus, Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus," said Dr Stephen Conaty, who is NSW Health's Director for Health Protection. The vaccine is available through General Practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists. Once fully vaccinated, it can take between 2 to 4 weeks for the body to develop its immune response to the disease. [IMAGE: Animalia]Authorities say that people who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment ahead of time and let the provider know it is for the JEV jab. They say providers may need a few days’ notice to order supply and may charge a consultation fee. Authorities are also warning about another mosquito-borne virus, Kunjin, which was detected in Cowra through a chicken blood sample on 20 November 2025.Mosquito-borne diseases cannot be transmitted directly between humans or from any other animal.During the mosquito season In 2022, NSW Health set up vaccine clinics dedicated to JEV across the Western Plains. NSW Health has so far not announced the same measure this time around.Besides the injection, avoiding mozzie bites is the best way to go. Below is a list from NSW Health of ways to protect yourself. Apply repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times Re-apply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and covered footwear Avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas) Cover windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps Remove items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed Use repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions Use an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting to protect infants aged less than three months, secured along the edges While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net

Bring a chair and bundle a picnic rug to binge the fireworks at Warren's annual Christmas party tonight, Friday 5 November. The free fun-for-all will have jumping castles, a giant slide and an inflatable obstacle course for the kids, plus a 7pm visit by Santas via golf cart. For the first time, the magic will take place at Carter Oval Youth Sports Precinct near the local splash park, where daytime temperatures are expected to reach 39 degrees. "Bring your family. Come and enjoy the evening and get with the community," Warren Shire Council's Bec Christian said. "This year is a lot of local people have stepped up and are doing market and food stalls, which we haven't had previously. "It will be a wonderful opportunity to support local makers, enjoy a warm summer evening, and celebrate the festive season."Dancers will again take the stage at the party at the sports precinct. [IMAGE: Warren Shire Council] The fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:15pm. The suitably-named Ms Christian said circus entertainers from Sydney will rove through the crowd in glow-in-the dark costumes. The event will also feature dances from local groups Dance Experience and Warraan Widji Arts, along with Sydney blues group Stevn Edmonds Band. The splash park will open from 6pm, followed by a 7pm visit from Santa via golf cart- a Warren tradition.  Bar facilities will be on site, where Ms Christian said organisers expect around 500 to 600 people. There will also be a barbeque and chocolate wheel. "The event is shaping up to be a memorable evening for the Warren community," Ms Christian said. "We got the new facility there that we opened end of last year, and just thought why not utilize splash park for the kids?" Warren Shire opened the new facilities in December 2024, while include a canteen and male and female changerooms.

Year 12 Condobolin High School student Jonah Grimshaw will take to the podium tomorrow at the Parliament of NSW to represent his hometown of Condo in the finals of the 2025 Regional Public Speaking Competition.One of only six students to compete, Jonah says despite being a bit nervous, his mum said he should be right as he’s a good talker.“I was lucky enough to take out the regional round of Public Speaking at Orange where I spoke for six minutes about how climate change and natural disasters had impacted my town and the people in and around it,” said Jonah.“We were given six subjects to speak about, which were all pretty broad, and this allowed us to speak about anything. The one I chose personally was ‘My hope for NSW’ and I was the only one who selected that topic.“At the finals on Friday I will be speaking about Drought and how it has affected farmers in our area and how we produce our crops and all our products and how it has affected the economy of Condobolin.“This subject has impacted so many people and really needs to be spoken about.Jonah pictured at NSW Parliament [Image supplied]Jonah is aiming to attend Macquarie University next year to do a double degree of Astrophysics and Stage Pro.“These are two very different things, but I want to focus on Astrophysics and because of the intensity of it I need something to offset that and I love music, so it seemed like a good idea. “Looking at numbers and figures all day would be mind blowing so this will allow me a chance to get away from that,” laughed Jonah.Following Jonah’s six-minute speech, all entrants are then given a list of six topics and a span of fifteen minutes to come up with an Impromptu speech, which is then delivered to the judges and audience. “Usually, these speech topics are incredibly broad, so I could be speaking about anything as long as it is loosely related to the subject topic. According to Jonah the principal of Condobolin High School is ecstatic. Jonah Grimshaw pictured at Parliament House [Image supplied]“Our principal is an English teacher and is really excited for me as it’s my first time at public speaking so I have been incredibly lucky.“Mum says I have the gift of the gab, and I don’t stop talking so I should be right, the hardest part for me will be stopping,” laughed Jonah.“Whatever happens it is all good. For a bush kid to get there in the first place and to be one of six in the state is pretty good so I am just happy for the experience,” said Jonah.The finals get underway at 11am tomorrow, Friday 5 December.

Two men were taken to hospital on Tuesday 2 December after a utility rolled just north of Burren Junction. The NSW Police Media Unit said that a Toyota LandCruiser was approaching the Kamilaroi Highway on Merrywinebone Road when it reportedly swerved to avoid a kangaroo and lost control. NSW Ambulance say they received the callout to the incident at around 10:15pm and treated one man in his twenties for multiple injuries, including to his head and limbs. He was taken by road to Wee Waa, where the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service say he was stabilised and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. A second man in his twenties was taken to hospital in Narrabri for head injuries and abrasions to his arms and legs.

The company in charge of the transmission lines for the large roll out of the Central West Energy Zone has come under criticism from several quarters. From politicians to environmentalists and wild life rescue, concerns have been raised over work to date by Sydney-based civil engineering company ACEREZ on the REZ network. This week ACEREZ has been criticised for clearing the roadside vegetation along Merotherie Road outside of Gulgong in preparation for the first of the 240-kilometre transmission line which runs through a number of local government areas. Animal Rescue group WIRES was called in to help up to 60 tiny new born birds who were evicted from their habitat when trees were torn down. The birds are being looked after at Mudgee Vet Hospital and Taronga Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo. Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee has written to NSW Premier Chris Minns, saying he is devastated by the clearance of more than 600 native trees on Merotherie Road and the baby birds taken from their habitat. "How many more were lost, we’ll never know," he said."There was no need to bulldoze these old trees. ‘’It all could have been avoided if EnergyCo had put in a new road on land it owns/controls just over the fence from where the trees once were. "The NSW Premier needs to step in and stop this shocking vandalism.’’One of the de-homed baby birds now in care. [IMAGE: A Gee MP] ACEREZ was appointed network operator by EnergyCo.Their role is to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Central-West Orana REZ transmission network. Energyco redirected our questions to ACEREZ saying they were responsible. ‘’Communities across the country are fighting projects like these, and it’s only going to get worse under the Labor Government’s renewables-only approach to achieving net zero," said Jamie Chaffey Federal Member for Parkes after community forums about the region's renewable energy rollout in Dunedoo and Dubbo on Saturday 29 November. "There is a cheaper, better and fairer way that does not destroy our farmland or our environment," Chaffey said.“Residents are looking at hundreds of kilometres of new transmission lines, and massive wind, solar and battery projects."All of this disruption is for no benefit – our prices continue to increase and our emissions reduction has stalled." In a statement to the Western Plains App ACEREZ said it is working to comply with community standards. “ACEREZ is liaising with WIRES and working with carers to care for any birds displaced by clearing required for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone transmission project. “The required vegetation clearing is taking place on private property in accordance with the project’s Environmental Impact Statement, Planning Approval and Biodiversity Management Plan. “Ecologists and fauna spotters are also onsite to ensure the birds can be safely relocated or taken to vets or wildlife carers.” They say ecologists complete a pre-clearing survey of work areas to identify habitat features prior to any clearing taking place. "When habitat features are required to be removed, a two-stage process is carried out under the guidance of fauna spotters to ensure displaced fauna can be safely relocated or taken to vets or wildlife carers. "Where possible, hollow-bearing sections of habitat trees are cut and erected on site with young fauna placed back into their original hollow. "The ecology team monitors each of these hollows to ensure parents return."

Warren’s Holly Campbell has earned a spot on the 2026 World Cross Country team representing Australia.Holly who spent a lot of time running around her parent’s property as a kid, has reaped the rewards with a second-place finish at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships Selection Trials at Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra.Her hard work and dedication has earned her a spot on the team to compete in next year’s World Event in the Open Women’s 10km event in the USA.With only a 36-second time difference from first to second place, well-known distance runner Leanne Pompeani took out first place in the event with Holly hot on her heels.Clocking a time of 34.17, Holly is no stranger to the gruelling event, having run it several times before, and says she really wanted to do well this year.Holly Campbell of Warren will be a part of the coveted Australian Team for the 2026 event [Image Athletics Australia]“I was very happy with my result at the World Cross Country Trial,” said Holly.“I’d had my eyes on making the team for a while and was relieved to gain automatic selection rather than waiting to be picked at the discretion of the selectors.“My race results haven’t been fantastic this year and I’ve been working hard to try and turn things around by making a few changes to my training.“I had a small injury pop up in the two weeks before the race which was a little challenging but helped me to learn the power of a bit of positive thinking and being able to adapt the plan."Holly said she is excited to make the team and really looking forward to the event next year.Hard work and dedication paying off for Holly Campbell [Image Athletics Australia]Supporters from her local athletics club, her hometown of Warren and Athletics Australia took to social media with messages of congratulations.“I’m super proud to make the team and looking forward to representing Australia in the States in January.“I’m proud to look back and think about how far I have come since I was a little kid running around the farm and am so grateful for the opportunities that running has given me,” Holly said.

Work has begun to replace two aging pump stations supplying drinking water to Cobar. The NSW government says the stations at Nyngan and Hermidale will have remote monitoring and boost operator safety under the roughly $50 million project. They said contractor SRG Global Utilities (formerly Diona) is expected to complete both stations by mid-2027. “By replacing the old stations at Nyngan and Hermidale with modern facilities, we are ensuring water can continue to flow safely and reliably now and into the future," NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson said. "Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with Council and visit the sites in person to gain a better understanding of the project and the importance of the pump stations in supporting safe and secure water for Cobar."The Australian government is providing about $26 million for the project, while their NSW counterparts are forking out around $23 million.  The soon-to-be-former pump site in Bogan shire. [IMAGE: NSW Government]Cobar does not have its own water source and relies on two 130-kilometre parallel pipelines to bring supply from Nyngan. The older line was built in 1964 and suffers from increasing failures due to corrosion, according to a report released by the NSW government in 2025.  The report said the younger line, built in 1983, is experiencing some "localised" corrosion and occasional failures, but is in good condition. It estimates a remaining service life of up to 50 years for the 1983 line, and that continued maintenance of both pipes will secure safe supply for more than a decade. Work to replace 30 kilometres of the 1964 line near Nyngan was completed in 2018, however the government paused plans for the remaining 100 kilometres because of projected costs. The report estimated that the "nominal" cost for the pipeline would be $329 million. Now the Cobar Water Board, a statutory body responsible for maintaining water supply in the area, is spending $300,000 for a separate review of the pipes' condition.Board secretary Peter Vlatko says he hopes the report from water consultant Sequana will persuade the NSW government to invest in the upgrades. "It's an expensive exercise to prove a point, but it is important that we do this so that we can justify the requirements for this pipeline to be upgraded," said Mr Vlatko, who is also the General Manager of Cobar Shire Council. "We'll have a proper assessment done independently. "We're still committed to ensure that the government gets all the information they need to help us resolve this once and for all." He said assessors will look at about 100 spots along the pipeline. He also said the review is scheduled to begin in February 2026 and be completed by late February-early March. 

The chair of Australia's peak trucking body has welcomed a decision by the federal government to shelve a proposed limit reduce limits on roads with no sign-posted speed. The Australian Trucking Association's Mark Parry says the proposal, which would have cut default limits by up to 30km/h, would increase freight times. Mr Parry said that he supports more targeted speed reductions in problem areas, along with road signage, education and fixing mobile black spots, as the government is forced to look at other ways to rein in road trauma."What we found particularly in the transport industry is that appropriate licensing, appropriate training, the use of technology now in trucks, is becoming very good," Mr Parry said. "I think various media campaigns over the years have been very effective. Like slowing down, stopping and resting before you're tired. "The truck industry is very regulated in those areas, and that's overseen by not only the police but the NHVR (National Heavy Vehicle Regulator). "I don't think there's a silver bullet to these things."Opponents argued that road maintenance and upgrades are a bigger safety priority than lowering default speed limits on roads without signage. [IMAGE: River McCrossen]Mr Parry also singled out road improvements and modern vehicle safety features to tackle deaths and serious injuries, which was the main reason the federal government proposed the speed reductions. He also suggested that fatalities, which increased from 1097 in 2020 to 1292 in 2024, may be rising with population growth. There have been over 50 deaths by car accidents in the Western Plains since 2020. Fifteen of those were around the Warrumbungle area, with 11 around Narromine. Under the 2021-2030 National Road Safety Strategy, Australian governments aim to halve the number of national road fatalities by the end of the decade, then to zero by 2050. A government consultation paper modelled that reducing the speed to 70km/h could avoid 401 deaths on sealed roads and 123 on unsealed roads across Australia each year. However, local councils, industry groups, politicians and the Country Mayors Association opposed the proposal, saying it would unnecessarily increase travel times. READ: Inquiry to seek real solutions to regional road deathsAfter a meeting with her state and counterparts, federal transport minister Catherine King said in a joint statement on 21 November that "no further work" was underway on the proposal. The statement noted feedback during a consultation period, and that the states and territories are responsible for setting speed limits. National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) spokesperson Peter Khoury also welcomed the government's withdrawal. He said that speed changes on particular roads need to account for evidence including crash history, traffic volumes and road engineering and quality.  He also said the association wants more information to be publicly available from road crash investigations. "What we want to see is a standard approach to those investigations which is referred to in the industry as a 'no-blame' investigation," Mr Khoury said. "What they would do is they would look specifically at the cause - or causes - of that crash and then make that information publicly available. "Was it speeding? Were there other factors? Was the car doing 102km/h in a 100km/h zone - which might be deemed speeding - but there were other factors at play? "Once you start to develop a better understanding of the causes of these crashes, then you can start to make decisions that will drive better outcomes." Transport for NSW has an interactive map which includes whether speed and fatigue were a factor in individual crashes, although it doesn't go into much greater detail regarding cause. Barwon MP Roy Butler, who raised a petition against the proposal, said NSW roads minister Jenny Aitchison spoke against the reduction to the federal government. "I thank Minister Aitchison for paying attention to the results of my petition and listening to country people when we say that lower speed limits would reduce our quality of life," Mr Butler said. "I congratulate those who took the time to add their signature to my petition; together, we have shown our strength and managed to block this damaging proposal."